Bob McKay, a 2017 NFF College Football Hall of Fame inductee and an All-America offensive tackle for the Longhorns from 1968-69, passed away Sept. 10 in Austin, Texas. He was 78.
 
"Bob McKay was accomplished in everything he did, from his remarkable football career to his professional life, but nothing meant more to him than his family," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "He was a gentle giant and simply one of those people you loved being around. More than a great football player, Bob was a great person and a good friend. We will miss him dearly, and our thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the entire McKay family."
 
A stalwart on the offensive line, paving the way for the Longhorns' fabled "Wishbone" attack, McKay's efforts helped guide Texas to the national championship in 1969.
 
A consensus First Team All-American in 1969, the 6-foot-6 McKay guided Texas to a perfect 11-0 season and the national title after defeating Notre Dame in the 1970 Cotton Bowl. He also helped the team to a No. 3 final ranking nationally in 1968 following a win over Tennessee in the 1969 Cotton Bowl. The 1969 All-Southwest Conference selection led the Longhorns to two conference championships.
 
Behind McKay and the rest of the offensive line, the 1969 squad outscored opponents 435-119 while leading the nation in rushing offense (363 yards per game) and scoring offense (33.8 points per game). With McKay in the starting lineup, Texas held an impressive 20-1-1 record and twice finished in the top three of the AP rankings. After his senior campaign, he played in the Coaches All-America Game and the Hula Bowl. During his standout career in Austin, McKay played for NFF College Football Hall of Fame coach Darrell Royal and alongside NFF College Football Hall of Fame halfback Chris Gilbert.
 
McKay was drafted 21st overall by the Cleveland Browns in 1970 and spent nine seasons in the NFL with the Browns and New England Patriots. He would lead each franchise to two playoff appearances during his career.
 
He was inducted into the University of Texas Hall of Honor in 1990 and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
 
Following his football career, McKay worked in commercial sales and was involved with the NFL Children's Benefit and CASH of Austin.
 
Born Dec. 27, 1947, in Seminole, Texas, he grew up in Crane, Texas, attending Crane High School.
 
Bob is survived by his beloved wife and anchor of 50 years, Donna; their two children, Jill (Scott) and Josh (Katie); eight cherished grandchildren; and brothers Don (Kathy) and Mike.